Do I have what it takes to become a CRNA?

My name is Caleb, and I am currently a sophomore at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. I'm just really curious if I have what it takes to become a CRNA. I know I'm in the very early stages of becoming a nurse, so my interests could change, but as of right now CRNA is what I really want to do. I have a cumulative GPA of a 3.7 my freshman year, and hopefully a GPA of a 4.0 this semester. Along with this, I also have A's in every single pre req for nursing school pending microbes and stats next semester (I'll do whatever it takes to have A's in those classes as well). If I had the option to, University at Buffalo would be my preferable grad school since it is closest to Rochester. I start clinical rotations next year, and plan on intensive care when I graduate. With all of this said, could anyone shed some light on CRNA school for me? Do I have the numbers? I know they aren't everything. Any things you guys could recommend to help build my resume/gain experience as of right now?

And in the process you will be proud of yourself. It is great to have goals, and to see the progress you make toward those goals.

Thank you for the words of encouragement, you don't understand how much it helps; Definitely gave me a boost as I go into finals next week! I'm definitely loving this journey that I'm on, and quite honestly nothing really brightens my day more than getting a test grade back and doing better than your peers, as well as teachers telling you you received the highest grade. I am both excited and nervous for starting real nursing school next year and making a difference in the lives of others.

Here's reality. You got a long way to go. I'm all for dreams and aspiration n stuff, but focus on what you have in front of you, you still have to finish nursing school and most importantly you have to pass your boards. It's a long, and difficult road for sure, even if you do pass your boards, you need to pay your dues and do a year of med/surg; Then you still need at least 2-3 years of good hardcore ICU experience (and while people have gotten in with less, personally I wouldn't apply with less than 2 years) and I'm not just talking about working in a small community hospital. You need big, university medical center type stuff, where they have ECMO, IABPs, LOTS of vasopressors and are sick as hell, and then you'll still need to get your CCRN and other various certifications to be even remotely competitive.

And since you have a lot of time to think about this; Ask yourself a couple questions on why you want to be a CRNA? Do you even know what they do? If your only answer is administer anesthesia...you're wrong. It may not be exactly what you think it is, so i suggest you go shadow someone. Not just for a clinical day, but for a FULL DAY, hell, you should go for a couple days. After seeing what they have to do all day, you may change your mind.

- With that being said good luck. You got a long, long road ahead of you. Keep you're eyes on whats in front of you and you should be fine.

- And let me point out one thing, (below). Nobody likes a 'one-upper,' or someone who gases themselves up. We get it, you got a good grade, go hang it on the fridge and call it a day. Remember not everyone probably did as well as you. I did exceptionally well in Nursing school but I was humble about it and I never gloated to anyone about it, except my closest friends. For me it wasn't some competition, I was there to get myself thru it and also help my classmates get thru it as well. And now being in CRNA school, it's even more about helping each other.

One step at a time is great advice, having a long term plan is important too. Plenty of nurses with the mentality of "C = RN" went on later to regret it after they decided CRNA was their goal. So kuddos for you for the good grades so far. Things you can do to better prepare yourself:
Continue getting the best grades possible
Shadow a CRNA (preferable 2 or more in different types of practices)
Try to get into a high acuity ICU, but don't fret if you have to do a year of med/surg first
Save up money and/or pay down your debt. Anesthesia school ain't cheap.

Another thought: plenty of nurses have gotten into a program with minimal experience or mediocre grades. There are so many schools popping up now it isn't as difficult to get into one. However, the competitive schools are that way for a reason. The other schools who will accept almost anyone with a grad loan anf a heartbeat are also that way for a reason. Get the best grades you can and at least 2 years of solid critical care experience. It will leave you with many more options when you are ready to apply.

One thing I would have done if I was in your position (already knowing you want to be a CRNA at such a young age) would be take GRE sooner than later. The older you get, the rustier you get when it comes to that sort of thing. Try and take it as soon as possible. You'll save yourself a little headache down the road. I took it in my 30's for CRNA school and it was A LOT of studying to get brushed up on all of those triangle rules :-) Had I taken it at 19 or 20, it would have been a lot easier. While its dreadful to take when school may be years off for you, in the big picture you'll probably get a better score and save a lot of time. Just keep in mind the scores are usually only good for 5 years.
Good luck in your pursuit.

Thanks for the advice Milk, as I've stated above I am focused on getting my RN at the moment; this post was just to get my feet wet and uncover the truth that most bs for profit websites don't tell you. However, with all due respect that last segment where you quoted me was uncalled for. When I get good grades I keep it to myself, and only tell my closest friends as you do. I help many people in my classes who aren't getting the material and tutor/study with people who are my friends. Thanks for the advice, but I don't need someone ******** on my dreams because they took something the wrong way.

Yuppers, great advice, thank you so much. The 2 years you recommended was exactly what I was planning on at the very least; I don't ever want to be mediocre. As far as shadowing goes, I really haven't had the time to do it yet, I plan on doing something of that variety either this summer or next summer after I start clinicals and get my feet wet.

Focks, great advice, I've honestly never heard of that before but that seems brilliant! Definitely will be studying my behind off for the GRE. I've done a little research on the GRE and it seems like SATs for grown ups, is this fairly accurate?